Robinsons rolls out the barrel with new DAF XB dray fleet

Robinsons Brewery, one of the largest independent, family-run breweries in the UK, has taken delivery of three new DAF XB 260 ‘FT’ urban artics to supplement its existing DAF LF vehicles, and signalling an exclusive DAF presence to the company’s fleet. Based on outstanding performance from existing six-year-old DAF LF urban artics, the new XB units replace outgoing competitor trucks to take the dray fleet to 13 DAF vehicles. The fleet distributes to 250 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West of England and into North Wales.

The new XB 4×2 tractor units – plated at 21.0-tonnes GCW to suit Robinson’s operation – feature DAF’s installation of the highly-regarded PowerLine eight-speed automatic gearbox; just one aspect of a high level of specification heavily influenced by Robinsons drivers. The well-appointed XB cab offers drivers high levels of equipment and a ‘big truck’ feel, yet boasting exceptional manoeuvrability and excellent 3-star direct vision to suit the truck’s urban environment. Vehicles are also equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance System safety features as standard.

Robust, single-axle ‘urban’ spec trailers are designed and manufactured by Lawrence David Ltd. specifically for the Robinsons operation. The brewery’s Logistics Manager, Mathew Heath, is especially pleased with the new XB urban artics and the positive feedback from the company’s drivers. “The DAF XB urban artic appears to be purpose built for us.

They are brilliant around town. Nimble, super-easy to manoeuvre and the drivers are really, really impressed with the game-changing PowerLine transmission. Coupled with the 260bhp engine, it’s just so sprightly and responsive.

We don’t carry a huge amount of weight, but the XB makes for effortless driving in an urban environment – our drivers are very happy indeed.” Also key to the DAF XB acquisition is the ongoing support received by supplying DAF Dealer, MOTUS Commercials in Trafford Park, Manchester. The new XB trucks are serviced and maintained on a seven-year DAF MultiSupport Repair and Maintenance contract, with the arrangement being described by Heath as a ‘true partnership’ with DAF and MOTUS.

“MOTUS are a key part of our operation,” he said, “they work around our shift patterns, and it makes for a seamless and first-class level of support.

It’s a true partnership we’ve enjoyed for six years now and its proving to be beneficial to both organisations.”